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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Calling all social butterfiles! Mark your agenda for the opening of the new concept of Karizma Boutiques. The event will be held next Monday 4th February from 6:00PM till 10:00PM. Participants of the event include: au no de la rose, The November boutique, B2 Boutique, Hamad Al-Saab and Ali Sultan, and Pieces. There will be live guitar music playing at the event.

Please click on the images to enlarge their size for a better view. karizma Boutique is opposite to Al Amiri Hospitsl.

The "Italian Style" exhibition was held at the Al-Thuraya Complex in Salmiya under the auspices of the Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Giorgio Di Pietrogiacomo.

This exhibition highlighted the deep bond that links art and the fashion industry where creativity and innovation have distinguished the ‘Made in Italy’ for ages. Major creations by the experts of fashion and design were displayed at the exhibition. The main theme was excellence: house decorating and dressing up in luxury Italian brands in a very innovative way. The exhibition displayed famous pieces of furniture from Zanotta, Kartell, Stoppino, Castiglioni Brothers, Colombo, Citerrio, Laviani and Formitalia-Mirabili.

Here are some photos of innovative and very artistic furniture which was displayed at the exhibition. I loved the floor lamp and the big red rose chair. Click on the images to enlarge.

Here’s another magnificent Chanel S/S 2008 creation by the outrageous and original Karl Lagerfeld, ideal for the young and hip fashionable lady on the go that doesn't sacrifice style for comfort (but I’m sure it will break the bank).

This uber-chic and roomy black quilted Chanel handbag features a porthole in the center filled with unbelievably charming Chanel logo buttons. The bag is to die for and a collector's item if I may add. I’d be more than happy to fork out my savings to get my hands on this beauty (Please note that I still do not know how much it retails for so a change of heart is possible).

Will they get it at Chanel’s boutique in Kuwait? Probably. One piece. Would they sell it to you? With their attitude and “customer service”? Not a chance. And don’t even bother to leave your name and number, they rarely ever call back. Besides, there are always always always at least 20 people ahead of you on their "long" waiting list. Better look for it when you travel to Europe or the states.

Monday, January 28, 2008

This is getting all juicy and exciting! A Reader forwarded the following e-mail to me which was sent to her by a Net-A-Porter representative. Apparently, she's one of Net-A-Porter's loyal customers and and they value her feedback...

Dear *****,

At NET-A-PORTER.COM we constantly strive to improve our customers' experience and take your feedback seriously. So, as a valued customer, we’d like to find out what you think of DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) – the shipping method we currently provide to Kuwait which includes all customs duty and taxes in the final purchase price.

Before April 2007, NET-A-PORTER shipped to Kuwait on a DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) basis, which meant that as the purchaser, you would be liable for all customs charges and taxes upon delivery of your order. We received considerable feedback that these charges were often inconsistent and unpredictable, and that our customers did not want to be burdened with hidden costs or contacted by a third party (DHL) to pay them.

NET-A-PORTER decided to launch DDP to provide you with a complete and convenient, hassle-free shopping experience. We guarantee the final purchase price, assuming total responsibility for all charges and customs duties. Our transparent pricing ensures that there are no hidden costs when your order arrives, and you should also receive items more quickly due to the expedited customs clearance. However, our service is only as good as we can make it. We would love to know your thoughts on and experience of DDP - simply email us at ddp@net-a-porter.com with your feedback.

Kind regards,

The Customer Care TeamNET-A-PORTER.COM

The e-mail was sent on 21st January 2008, which means sometime after this post. It's nice to see that well-known retailers and institutions take into consideration what's being posted and said about them and get involved in a two-way communication. Let's hope that Net-A-Porter gives us a detailed clarification based on what our readers need to know.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

If you're still on the lookout for some winter sale bargains and a mix and match of casual wear, then treat yourself to some discounted charm from Brown Fashion boutique. They are having a sale of up to 40% off most winter collection and 50% off last year's winter collection.

And if that's not good enough of a reason to shop, then get this, Any "Confashions From Kuwait" reader will get an exclusive additional 5% off for 3 consecutive days starting tomorrow Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Simply mention this blog when you're about to pay to get your additional 5% discount.

Brown Fashion is located at Tala Center's basement, Salem Al-Mubarak Street, Salmiya. For any further questions, you can call them at (+965) 571-3019.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

A few weeks ago, I posted an e-mailwhich was sent to me by G Q regarding Net-A-Porter's duties fees policy.

Yesterday, I have received a reply from Net-A-Porter's representative Emily Fischer clarifying this issue. Here's what the e-mail said:

Dear Confashion,

I hope you don't mind my contacting you but I was alerted to a post on your blog that outlined an issue concerning taxes and duties fees, in reference to the article that ran in the Kuwait Times on January 6th 2008 titled 'Online Shopping Blues - Overcharges, Hazy Fees'.

At NET-A-PORTER we take feedback of any kind very seriously, especially where there is concern over an issue such as this.

As such, please find below some information that your readers may find useful when looking to understand the shipping terms to Kuwait.

Statement:NET-A-PORTER introduced its DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service in April 2007 in response to high customer demand. In light of feedback from our Kuwaiti customers, we initiated this service to improve the shipping process and to provide customers with a clear breakdown of all duties and taxes associated with their order prior to payment.

All Kuwaiti duties and customs charges are included in the purchase price with no additional hidden charges and are clearly indicated before any payment is taken by NET-A-PORTER. Another added benefit to this introduction means that customers are now able to purchase from our website and receive their order without the need to instruct their own import customs broker in Kuwait or to have to individually contact DHL. In short, we are now able to provide a complete service to our Kuwaiti customers in line with that which we provide to the vast majority of our worldwide customers, meaning customers in Kuwait can now order and receive their items within 2-3 working days.

NET-A-PORTER prides itself on offering the customer exactly what she wants - unprecedented access to the hottest looks of the season. The move to DDP was implemented as a positive step to provide seamless, convenient and hassle-free shopping from the moment the customer places an order until it arrives at her house.

We have a dedicated email address that we would like to offer as a way of your readers contacting us with any queries or feedback they may have. We would like to ask that you print this on your site to enable direct contact to the NET-A-PORTER team: ddp@net-a-porter.com

Thank you,

Emily Fischer

I give Net-A-Porter a warm applause for taking the initiative and replying to our post. What do you think dear readers of this clarification?

Friday, January 25, 2008

Kelly Osbourne was spotted recently looking good in this jewel embelished Karta dress. I'll be honest with you though, I'm not totally crazy about this dress. But it can come handy if: 1.You're stuck. No formal clothes to wear. 2.You're fed up with your formal clothes. 3. Too lazy to shop around and want something just a click away. And 4.Looking for a formal clothes but with long sleeves. What I like about kelly's look though is the combination of black opaque tights and patent pinkish nude heels. Very Chanel like.

Karta dress can be found in red on Net-A-Porter and it costs around KD 130 minus the shipping nd duties. Alternatively, you can purchase it from eLuxury which would cost you around KD 90 minus shipping charges.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

WARNING: The following post contains photos not suitable for those faint of heart or serious shopaholics, or die-hard Louboutin fan. If you are happy not knowing what you're going to miss, please do not scroll down. Seriously.

Just look at these beauties. Aren't they marvelous? The effect of off-white snake skin with trimmed black leather, a tiny cute bow, and a red sole is just breathtaking. When I first set my eyes on this enchanting pair, I was sooo mesmerized that I forgot to look at the price tag. Oh well, I'll keep this post short and sweet then.

Wear them with opaque tights during this cold weather and without tights for formal summer nights. These lovely Louboutins are available at (where else?!)Al Othman.

*Confashion puts on her “red-carpet-worthy and Oscars-ready” gown and walks to the center of the stage*

I’d like to thank Ansamfor her heartwarming gesture of awarding my blog the “Excellent Blog Award”. What can I say, I love reading your comments and I love being a part of blogesphere. So Thank YOU for your support.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

I have recieved the above scanned letter from the owner of Al Othman. He wanted to share this letter which was originally sent to him by Temperley to clarify the issue raised by a fellow fashionista on the price difference of Temperley's Goddess gown at Selfridges in London and Al Othman in Kuwait.

Apperntly the dress had an incorrect ticket price entered through an entering error on Selfridges' part. As a result, there were KD 800 price differance. According to Temperley "The girl who bought this dress was in the right time at the right time".

Mistakes are bound to happen, even to fashion and retail experts. If that taught us anything, it's to accept constructive critisicim and to deal with issues in a very professional and classy manner. We would like to thank the owner of Al Othman for sharing this letter with us. And also thanks to the chic blogger who brought this subject up.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Calling all graphic art fans, here's a new event to go to during the weekend. Mohammed Muhraddin Gallery of mixed media on canvas. The event started today Tuesday, January 22, 2008 and will be on until Sunday, February 3, 2008 at Sultan Gallery.

According to Bazaar magazine, "Mohammed Muhraddin born in 1938 in Basra, studies painting and graphic arts in Baghdad and warsaw, Poland. he was part of a group that formed the "new vision" in 1969 which introduced Modernism in Iraq. He was exhibited whidely in the Middle East, US, and Europe including touring exhbition strokes of genius - Contemporary Iraqi Art (2000)".

Sultan Gallery is located in South Sabhan, Block 8, Street 105, building 168.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Remember back in the day when Sarah’s Bag was the coolest thing to tout around town? Well now the bag is back with a vengeance and a classy more grown-up look. Not only that, actually, the newly designed Sarah's bag is now a fancy clutch. The "Limited Edition" clutches come in two designs (as shown in the unfortunately unclear above photo).

The first clutch is a plum patent leather clutch with colored mosaic design. And the 2nd clutch is metallic gold with cutwork which represents a lyric from a famous old song by Egyptian singer Abdul Haleem Hafith. I loved them BOTH. I can see myself wearing the patent clutch for day and night throughout the year. And wear the "Arabic" clutch for girls gatherings, Arabian-nights themed events, or for Ramadan with a darra'a.

Sarah's "Clutch" is exclusively available at Al Othman in Kuwait and at Boutique 1 in Dubai. The price range is approximately $400.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Visit Al Thuraya Mall, tonight from 6:00 PM and or anytime during the next 7 days, Al Ostoura Group is holding an exhibition on Italian historical fashion and art. The ambassador of Italy and some other designers came all the way from Italy to attend the exhibition. More details will be followed soon.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

I was skimming through the pages of Instyle magazine (British edition, November or December.. not quite sure) and I came across a picture of the famous Erdem lace dress worn by Keira Knightly which I obsessively mentioned on my blog on several occasions. And guess what? The sub-title of the picture read "Keira Kinghtly in Chanel"!!!! (Click on the image above to enlarge it).

I'm sure Erdem people are not happy about that. But hey, it happens to the best of us.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Every true fashionista should own a stunning cocktail dress to use as a no-fail option on special occasions to make her feel exquisite. There's just something about owning a little party frock that is not in black. So ditch your LBD and just go with the colors of the season. I started my search for the risqué dress at Al Othman (great choice I know!) .

Al Othman seems to hit all the right notes with their gorgeous cruise/resort collections. By the way, I just realized that I've been to Al Othman more than to any other store here in Kuwait the past couple of seasons and tried on most of their merchandise in store. I just love it! Moving on…

I’m on the lookout for some killer outfits (again!) for several special and not-so-special occasions I’m invited to. So I ended up picking these fun and fabulous frocks.

Look at the detail on this white cocktail dress by Peter Som. So gorgeous! I loved the clean lines of the dress and it’s refined elegance. And just look at the beautiful combination of intricate chiffon trimming and black lace. Pair it with black Opaque tights and patent platform heels, and you’ll complete the scene. The dress is priced at KD 539.

Ok, I know this is not a cocktail dress obviously, but you need a chic evening cover-up for your LBD. I loved this Chanel-like belle chiffon-trimmed long coat, also by Peter Som. Whatever you do, just don’t pair it with the white dress. You don’t want to look too matchy matchy. The jacket is priced at KD 599.

Now this Oscar-ish yellow dress by Behnaz Sarafpour, was the first thing that caught my eyes. The design combines 50's style (volume dress) with a hint of 80’s style (yellow stripes). It's classy, chic, and very modern -perfect for events like house parties and weddings. The dress is priced at KD 759.

This fun Mayle dress with a deep V back can be dressed up for a semi-formal event with opaque tights and platforms or dress it down for a casual chic outing with a tuxedo jacket and shoe-boots. Price? KD 239.

Another addition to the yellow addiction is this lace mini dress by Collette Dinnigan priced at KD 398. The dress is young, fun, and party-worthy. Wear it with bare tanned legs and nude killer heels for small semi-formal parties.

I have received the below by e-mail from one of my readers and wanted to share it with you. It is an interesting read:

Dear Confashion,

My friend, an expat, is a regular customer of net-a -porter. She has had several correspondences with them regarding paying some “duties” fees. She has contacted several officials in the British Embassy, DHL and the Kuwaiti customs regarding this issue. It seems that there is no clear policy about these fees. Kuwaiti customers are not obliged to pay any sort of fee for personal items. They shouldn't pay the Kuwaiti customs or the shipper. Although net-a-porter and DHL claim that this imposed fee makes the shipping process easier and quicker, they should refund the amount back to the customer when he/she receives the purchase. Apparently, the “duty fees” goes back to DHL and net-a-porter.

My friend is outraged and thinks that other Kuwaiti customers should be more aware of where their money goes. The issue is not about the money but the principle of being honest and credible. Customers should be more active and demand to know the details of their purchases when ordering from any shopping website.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

If you still haven't had enough of winter shopping then head to any (or all) of the following stores: Maxmara, Kenzo, Jimmy Choo, Marina Rinaldi, Philosophy, Marella, and Gerard Darel. They are having 30% off on their fall merchandise.

Friday, January 11, 2008

My Net-A-Porter's order has finally arrived after ridiculous delay and even more ridiculous duty taxes. I snatched this number from the spectacular sale. All sizes were completely sold out except for my size. So I did not hesitate a second to add it to my shopping cart. It's a dashing plaid red and black wool coat with 3/4 sleeves by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Now here comes the dilemma, but first, don't judge me. I know I promised myself not to copy what celebs are wearing (here goes my first so called new year's resolution!), but for God's sake it was Carrie Bradshaw (SJP) who sported this fabulous coat for the upcoming SATC movie!! And she's my #1 weakness and excuse when it comes to justifying my purchases.

But that was not the only reason why I bought it. I was craving a little tartan in my closet and I wanted a coat that will make me stand out. Besides, I felt that square was the shape of du jour.

Little did I know. My excitement faded away as soon as I ripped off the Net-A-Porte's box. I didn't like the texture of the coat but I gave it the benefit of a doubt and decided to try it on. I hated it! It's very unflattering. I hated the belt detail which fastens around hemline (how am i supposed to walk properly if the belt is tied right around my knees!?). It doesn't look as good as it does on Carrie. I tried losing the belt, but it felt more like wearing a coat made out of my grandma's blanket. I showed it to two of my friends and one advised me to return it and the other is convincing me to keep it (maybe blankets will be in someday). The coat cost me around KD 185.

Is it a keeper? I'm trying to find some new looks that goes with the jacket, or should I return it?

AUK will be holding a Car Boot Sale sponsored by its Marketing Club. The event will be held this Saturday, January 12, 2008 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at AUK's main parking lot in Salmiya. For further inquires, you can contact the organizers by mobile: (+965) 744.6596 or by e-mail- at: S00001125@auk.edu.kw .